Vendors, kiosks take over green belts, Gurgaon sectors’ 81 and 95 residents want encroachments cleared

Gurgaon: Residents of new sectors along Dwarka Expressway have raised concerns over the condition of green belts between sectors 81 and 95, citing encroachments and poor maintenance.According to residents, several green belts have been taken over by street vendors, temporary kiosks, scrap dealers and roadside eateries. Some stretches are even being used as informal parking spaces, they said. Vehicles are parked along green patches in many areas, and waste is also being dumped there.
Residents said that the condition of these green belts has declined due to a lack of planning and implementation over the past two years. Last week, united association of new Gurugram (UANG) wrote to GMDA chief executive officer, seeking removal of illegal occupations and a clear plan for green belt development before the plantation season."The weather is favourable for plantation, but the reality is that most green belts are either encroached upon or poorly maintained. Unauthorised kiosks and parking are obstructing smooth vehicular movement as well. Before a plantation drive is undertaken, these spaces need to be cleared, demarcated and secured," said Praveen Malik, president of UANG, a citizen group.Residents further said that the encroachments have affected cleanliness and safety in the area."Green belts are not meant to become vending zones. Their purpose is to improve air quality and act as ecological buffers in a rapidly urbanising area like ours. But there is no visible monitoring of encroachments, and the situation only worsened over time. Restoring these green belts is essential for the environment," RWA president of Shanti Vihar AWHO VP Singh said.A GMDA official said green belts are being developed alongside road infrastructure in the new sectors and that regular inspections and enforcement drives are being carried out.